tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8179740565267828546.post6842144457441074037..comments2024-02-04T02:13:50.444-08:00Comments on The Learning Nation: The Dichotomy Defensebirklearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07368990673349142540noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8179740565267828546.post-75631673576684049752011-07-29T06:48:25.062-07:002011-07-29T06:48:25.062-07:00I’ve heard every single one of these arguments alo...I’ve heard every single one of these arguments along with many more, and they are all maddening. Catastrophic thinking will not get us anywhere in our efforts to improve teaching and learning in our schools. For me, putting a name to this kind of rhetoric is the first step in effectively combating it so that we can have the kind of meaningful dialogue we need to move things along.<br /><br />I’d like to suggest a simple strategy for dealing with the defense. It’s as simple as replacing “but” with “and”. The “yes…and” strategy is used in improv comedy all the time and it is a way to foster collaborative thinking and keep things going up on stage. So, the next time you are talking with someone about a topic (texting in class) and they respond with their catastrophic thinking (all they will do is text each other), try this. Instead of beginning your response with “Yes, but…” try “Yes some kids will do that AND we when that happens we can address it with those couple of kids.” Chances are, the response will involve more catastrophic thinking, but if we keep the “yes…ands” going we can start building a dialogue around these issues with those folks who are most uncomfortable with change.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08333055462553481752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8179740565267828546.post-59859565109403154672011-07-26T06:37:32.399-07:002011-07-26T06:37:32.399-07:00Brilliant post, Cale.
Brilliant.
The Dichoto...Brilliant post, Cale. <br /><br />Brilliant. <br /><br />The Dichotomy Defense is all too common and all too frequently the stumbling block to any kind of meaningful change in education. <br /><br />You rule.<br />BillBill Ferriterhttp://teacherleaders.typepad.com/the_tempered_radicalnoreply@blogger.com